An Insider's Guide to Dubai

The impressive nation of Dubai is known for breaking records – holding some 150 Guinness World Records – but it is also earning accolades as a tourism destination. With a favorable location on the Arabian Sea, a slew of high-end coastal resorts, interesting cuisine, and unique recreational activities, here’s an insider’s guide to the best of Dubai.

Amazing Hotels
One&Only Royal Mirage: Three properties on 65 acres of land make up this resort, with one of the top beaches in Dubai, a sports center, and temperature-controlled pools.

One&Only The Palm: Located on Palm Island, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree, this resort boasts a laid-back vibe and impressive views of the city skyline.

Atlantis, The Palm: Families will love the spread here, which includes an aquarium with 65,000 animals, a dolphin bay, a waterpark, and three private beaches. Opt for the three-story Underwater Suites with floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows looking at the aquarium.

The Palace Downtown Dubai: With a location adjacent to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, on Old Town Island, this hotel offers easy access to the city and many boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.

Madinat Jumeirah: Set on its own private beach, this resort stretches over nearly two miles of waterways and gardens and features a 1,000-seat amphitheater and more than 40 restaurants and bars.

Activity Highlights
Burj Khalifa is a must-visit site. Visitors can experience the world’s tallest tower form an observation deck, complete with binoculars that show real-time and historical views of the area. While here, explore the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers.

Get out of the city and into the Arabian Desert with tour operator Desert Adventures. Activity options range from an afternoon of sandboarding to a unique four-wheel jeep experience. Guests are even taken to an authentic Bedouin campsite to enjoy camel rides, a traditional meal, a belly dancing performance, and a shisha pipe lounge.

Memorable Meals
The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding is not only a great dining option, but also a place to learn about Emirati Culture. The center offers a number of cultural activities, including a mosque visit and daily lunch programs featuring Emirati home cooking. During the meal, a hostess explains the traditions behind the food, as well as answers questions from the audience.